Scotland the Brave

  Scotland will vote on September 18 whether it should be independent from Great Britain, and according to the New York Times, "the country’s [soccer] stadiums have become key battlegrounds for the yes and no campaigns."

The article goes on to say that the debate is dominated by the Glasgow teams, Rangers and Celtic, collectively known as "the Old Firm," and that as is often the case, they are on opposite sides of the issue, with Rangers fans tending to favor remaining with Great Britain while Celtic supporters lean the other way, although the Times said it is more complex than that.

Interestingly, 18 well-known figures in Scottish soccer, including former players and two coaches, have come out in favor of a "no" vote, i.e. remaining with the U.K.  The 18 issued a joint statement that read, in part:

“We are proud Scots who have been proud to represent our country around the world. When Scotland calls, we answer.

“We are proud that Scotland has always stood on its own two feet but we also believe that Scotland stands taller because we are part of the United Kingdom. The United Kingdom is a country Scotland helped to build.

“We urge every patriotic Scot to help maintain Scotland’s place in the United Kingdom which has served Scotland so well.”

I have yet to get to Scotland but as one who has been to Europe many times, I'll be watching the results of the vote.  British leaders have urged Scotland to remain and some financial analysts say that if Scotland becomes independent England may leave the European Union, which would have ripple effects around the world.

Whatever happens, rest assured the pipes will still skirl, the pipers will still march, Scotland the Brave will be as stirring as it is now and the soccer games will go on.